The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following explosive allegations she made during a live television interview on April 3, 2025, where she accused high-ranking politicians of plotting her assassination.
The case, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, stems from comments made during her appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. In the broadcast, the senator alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to eliminate her.
“I stand by what I said… Akpabio had a discussion with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me,” she claimed during the nationally televised interview.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the Senate President of deliberately endangering her life by orchestrating the withdrawal of her official security personnel.
“Why did Akpabio withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable? Among 109 senators, I’ve had a unique and dangerous political experience since 2018. Removing my security detail after suspending me illegally puts me directly in harm’s way,” she added.
According to the charge sheet, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is the sole defendant. Although the full scope of the charges remains undisclosed, at least one count alleges that her statements were defamatory and damaging to the reputations of those involved.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier been suspended from the Senate in March 2025 for purportedly violating legislative procedures. In response, she publicly accused Senate President Akpabio of targeting her in retaliation for rejecting his alleged sexual advances—allegations that sparked public outrage and sharp political reactions.
The case is expected to ignite renewed debates over freedom of speech, whistleblower protection, and the treatment of female politicians in Nigeria’s political landscape.
